President Donald Trump sent a message to the eleven U.S. host cities for the World Cup on Thursday about the safety of fans. Whether the president can actually follow through is up for debate.
Why did Trump warn World Cup cities?
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump warned that he will move matches from next summer’s World Cup away from host cities he deems to be dangerous. When asked specifically about San Francisco and Seattle, Trump took the chance to criticize those in charge.
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Congress has allocated $625 million in federal funding for security for the World Cup.
“We’re going to make sure they’re safe, they’re run by radical left lunatics that don’t know what they’re doing.” Trump said.
Seattle is scheduled to host four group-stage games, including the U.S. men’s national team. The city will also host a round of 32 game and a round of 16 match. Santa Clara, California, 45 miles south of San Francisco, will host five group-stage matches and a round of 32 match. FIFA oversees the World Cup and selects host cities, but that didn’t stop Trump from making his point, saying if it’s not safe, he’ll move it out of that city.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the [2028] Olympics,” Trump said. “But for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
Is this part of a pattern for the White House?
Trump has made targeting urban crime in Democratic-led cities a priority. The administration has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, and may do the same in New Orleans and Chicago.
“As you probably know, we’re going into Memphis and we’re going into some other cities,” Trump said. “Very soon, we’re going into Chicago. It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move into a different city, absolutely. It’s actually a very fair question.”
Straight Arrow News reached out to city leaders in Seattle and San Francisco for comment regarding the president’s warnings but has yet to receive a response.
Is the federal government helping with security?
Along with Seattle and Santa Clara, the other U.S. host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Missouri, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
Congress allocated $625 million in federal funds for World Cup security in July, which will be distributed among the 11 U.S. host cities based on their specific needs. FIFA has binding contracts with all of those host cities. The tournament begins on June 11 and runs through July 19, and the feasibility of moving any of the 104 matches at this late date is not known.
Trump will be present at the 48-team World Cup draw, which will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
